3501

MID-18th CENTURY FRENCH SILVER HILTED SMALLSWORD.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
MID-18th CENTURY FRENCH SILVER HILTED SMALLSWORD.
Overall length: 40". Blade length: 33". The trilobate blade has a raised medial ridge but no noticeable fuller. The blade is etched over the first 6 1/2" with various foliate motifs. Solid silver hilt with hallmarks on the pas d'ane. Double kidney-shaped guard with intricate decorations consisting of flora & fauna. The decorative motif is repeated on the knuckle bow, round pommel, drop quillon, and other sections of the hilt. Grip is silver wire wrapped with Turk's head knots above & below. Original black leather scabbard with the correct silver top mount that is decorated with a repousse knight's head & floral motifs. The middle mount & bottom mount are steel and likely period replacements. CONDITION: the blade has a light gray patina with spotty, insignificant staining. The etching remains generally sharp but shows minor wear. The silver hilt is quite tight showing just the slightest wear and an attractive amount of tarnish. The scabbard, amazingly, remains unbroken but is a bit flaked and somewhat flexed. The top mount's decoration remains crisp, but there is a small separation at the throat. (02-20105/BF). $1,500-2,000.